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New GK 800 Legacy!
- Thread starter johnson79
- Start date
Nice review (I was able to convert it to English using Edge's translator). I agree with your take on the Legacy EQ. Though I can easily get the 800RB voice, doing so does require EQ that's more like an MB than an RB, ie: cut bass and treble a bit, and boost midranges up a bit to taste. ...voila! I've also learned to use the 3-knob overdrive to get the familiar RB Boost tone, but I agree one knob would probably have been just fine. I'm very happy with the package overall.
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- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,598
- 18,627
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
That is not as easy to answer as it seems...
I have tube loaded amps and solid state amps.
Tubes are not better just a preference.
I really like the tubes in recording DIs like the REDDI but don’t have to have in an amp.
The Legacy is full sounding, with that GK punch and tone. Its hard to not like.
I posted my review about the Legacy 112 combo on the official GK page so I’ll do it here as well for this thread.
Now that I’ve had a very good length of time testing out the NEW GK Legacy 112 combo for a month, I’ll be trying my best to explain through my experience with the combo in both practice, rehearsal and gig situations.
So as I’ve explained in recent posts upon receiving the combo, I did notice that the brain of the combo is loose as you hear it jiggle around a bit in the box but it’s nothing to worry about as much. Just wish GK did better in securing it during inspection before they were shipped out.
Now what I really like about this combo that really shines to me is it’s tonal options. I really love how the amp is so versatile to a lot of my Basses that I’ve put through the test. It’s very loud, punchy, and crisp! Just what I like about GK.
This legacy combo spoke to me in a way that it feels like I’m playing out of an RB Series amp. It literally feels that way until you look behind you and see this little rectangular shaped combo putting in work! I’ve taken this combo to rehearsals before a show and it’s carried the band very well in a mix without any sound of stress coming from the combo. I play in a funk/alternative band consisted of Drums, guitar, and brass. We’re very loud.
Here’s a disadvantage to this combo (but a common one at that). Because of it’s size, it’s really hard to hear yourself in a live gig situation where there’s no FOH or floor wedges supported for you and the band. So the best alternative was to get an amp riser and direct it towards you or the drummer and you’re good to go. For situations like that, it’s best to leave the legacy combo behind and bring an amp more suitable to non FOH supported gigs. Don’t get me wrong the Legacy is a very loud amp and can handle itself well in a band mix but there comes a time and place where the 112 is more suitable in small to somewhat medium venues (i.e coffee gigs, 50-100 occupancy settings)
While the Legacy Combo 112 serves as a gigging amp, I find this amp to also shine as a recording amp through DI. I have a few sound recordings of the amp through DI which really gives you that sound from an RB series amp! Hopefully I’ll be able to upload some sound clips sometime this coming week.
How can I not end this review without going over the newly added mute switch which is an amazing option for new GK combos. It’s very convenient
Although to be quite honest with you all, I never really bothered with the overdrive channel. I was never a fan but when I was trying out the overdrive from time to time, I would immediately turn it off and just play the combo regularly. YMMV of course so I apologize to everyone out their that wanted to know more detail about the overdrive feature.
So to sum this up I can’t fairly compare this Legacy 112 to one of the MB Series combos since the legacy lineup sport all of their combos with Neodymium speakers. I will say that the Legacy combos are a lot louder and serves to be a gig worthy amp but if you’re looking for a combo to cover a wide spectrum of shows varying from small, medium, large, or outside gigs. You’re options are looking towards The Legacy 212, 210, or 410.
Hope this somewhat helps for people out there that are interested in these combos. I’d say it’s definitely worth the $1k+ investment. For me personally, I’ve decided to return the Legacy 112 for either a Legacy 115 or 212 which I feel like will help with consistent live shows and rehearsals.
Now that I’ve had a very good length of time testing out the NEW GK Legacy 112 combo for a month, I’ll be trying my best to explain through my experience with the combo in both practice, rehearsal and gig situations.
So as I’ve explained in recent posts upon receiving the combo, I did notice that the brain of the combo is loose as you hear it jiggle around a bit in the box but it’s nothing to worry about as much. Just wish GK did better in securing it during inspection before they were shipped out.
Now what I really like about this combo that really shines to me is it’s tonal options. I really love how the amp is so versatile to a lot of my Basses that I’ve put through the test. It’s very loud, punchy, and crisp! Just what I like about GK.
This legacy combo spoke to me in a way that it feels like I’m playing out of an RB Series amp. It literally feels that way until you look behind you and see this little rectangular shaped combo putting in work! I’ve taken this combo to rehearsals before a show and it’s carried the band very well in a mix without any sound of stress coming from the combo. I play in a funk/alternative band consisted of Drums, guitar, and brass. We’re very loud.
Here’s a disadvantage to this combo (but a common one at that). Because of it’s size, it’s really hard to hear yourself in a live gig situation where there’s no FOH or floor wedges supported for you and the band. So the best alternative was to get an amp riser and direct it towards you or the drummer and you’re good to go. For situations like that, it’s best to leave the legacy combo behind and bring an amp more suitable to non FOH supported gigs. Don’t get me wrong the Legacy is a very loud amp and can handle itself well in a band mix but there comes a time and place where the 112 is more suitable in small to somewhat medium venues (i.e coffee gigs, 50-100 occupancy settings)
While the Legacy Combo 112 serves as a gigging amp, I find this amp to also shine as a recording amp through DI. I have a few sound recordings of the amp through DI which really gives you that sound from an RB series amp! Hopefully I’ll be able to upload some sound clips sometime this coming week.
How can I not end this review without going over the newly added mute switch which is an amazing option for new GK combos. It’s very convenient
Although to be quite honest with you all, I never really bothered with the overdrive channel. I was never a fan but when I was trying out the overdrive from time to time, I would immediately turn it off and just play the combo regularly. YMMV of course so I apologize to everyone out their that wanted to know more detail about the overdrive feature.
So to sum this up I can’t fairly compare this Legacy 112 to one of the MB Series combos since the legacy lineup sport all of their combos with Neodymium speakers. I will say that the Legacy combos are a lot louder and serves to be a gig worthy amp but if you’re looking for a combo to cover a wide spectrum of shows varying from small, medium, large, or outside gigs. You’re options are looking towards The Legacy 212, 210, or 410.
Hope this somewhat helps for people out there that are interested in these combos. I’d say it’s definitely worth the $1k+ investment. For me personally, I’ve decided to return the Legacy 112 for either a Legacy 115 or 212 which I feel like will help with consistent live shows and rehearsals.
I get it, my rig has been serving me well for the last months gigs and I’ll be using it again this weekend, it’s plenty loud with my 5 piece band in a medium size bar setting no FOH, the Mesa 12 works very well with the L800 I’m happy, haven’t had the chance to pair up my Mesa 15 with the 112 and the L800, I haven’t needed to yet...I posted my review about the Legacy 112 combo on the official GK page so I’ll do it here as well for this thread.
Now that I’ve had a very good length of time testing out the NEW GK Legacy 112 combo for a month, I’ll be trying my best to explain through my experience with the combo in both practice, rehearsal and gig situations.
So as I’ve explained in recent posts upon receiving the combo, I did notice that the brain of the combo is loose as you hear it jiggle around a bit in the box but it’s nothing to worry about as much. Just wish GK did better in securing it during inspection before they were shipped out.
Now what I really like about this combo that really shines to me is it’s tonal options. I really love how the amp is so versatile to a lot of my Basses that I’ve put through the test. It’s very loud, punchy, and crisp! Just what I like about GK.
This legacy combo spoke to me in a way that it feels like I’m playing out of an RB Series amp. It literally feels that way until you look behind you and see this little rectangular shaped combo putting in work! I’ve taken this combo to rehearsals before a show and it’s carried the band very well in a mix without any sound of stress coming from the combo. I play in a funk/alternative band consisted of Drums, guitar, and brass. We’re very loud.
Here’s a disadvantage to this combo (but a common one at that). Because of it’s size, it’s really hard to hear yourself in a live gig situation where there’s no FOH or floor wedges supported for you and the band. So the best alternative was to get an amp riser and direct it towards you or the drummer and you’re good to go. For situations like that, it’s best to leave the legacy combo behind and bring an amp more suitable to non FOH supported gigs. Don’t get me wrong the Legacy is a very loud amp and can handle itself well in a band mix but there comes a time and place where the 112 is more suitable in small to somewhat medium venues (i.e coffee gigs, 50-100 occupancy settings)
While the Legacy Combo 112 serves as a gigging amp, I find this amp to also shine as a recording amp through DI. I have a few sound recordings of the amp through DI which really gives you that sound from an RB series amp! Hopefully I’ll be able to upload some sound clips sometime this coming week.
How can I not end this review without going over the newly added mute switch which is an amazing option for new GK combos. It’s very convenient
Although to be quite honest with you all, I never really bothered with the overdrive channel. I was never a fan but when I was trying out the overdrive from time to time, I would immediately turn it off and just play the combo regularly. YMMV of course so I apologize to everyone out their that wanted to know more detail about the overdrive feature.
So to sum this up I can’t fairly compare this Legacy 112 to one of the MB Series combos since the legacy lineup sport all of their combos with Neodymium speakers. I will say that the Legacy combos are a lot louder and serves to be a gig worthy amp but if you’re looking for a combo to cover a wide spectrum of shows varying from small, medium, large, or outside gigs. You’re options are looking towards The Legacy 212, 210, or 410.
Hope this somewhat helps for people out there that are interested in these combos. I’d say it’s definitely worth the $1k+ investment. For me personally, I’ve decided to return the Legacy 112 for either a Legacy 115 or 212 which I feel like will help with consistent live shows and rehearsals.
mangoes, I downsized all my heavy gear last spring, including the 550. The 550 is loud - I mean it can be stupid loud. At 4 Ohms it's been tested at over 800 watts. That said, it weighs about 30 lbs and the new Legacy maybe 4 - 5 lbs. (I'm 71 so that is a major consideration) I have a rolling flight bag that holds everything, and my pedal case fits over the extension handle. So easy in/out with the Legacy. As far as the sound, the 550 just starts out loud even at low volume settings, where the Legacy seems to want the volume and gain pumped up a little bit. I like playing the 550 on stage where I had no FOH, as it can really rock the house. I currently run DI into the FOH, and use the Legacy for my onstage monitor. The 550 at 8 ohms puts out probably around 450 watts. My Legacy 500 at 8 ohms puts out 180 watts. So volume wise, the 550 is king of the hill. For easy of transport the Legacy is king. I replaced all the movable knobs in the 550 when it was about 5 or 6 years old. Don't have to worry about that anymore which is a consideration for others who have (or are looking at) the 550. I only used the second channel on the 550 for the contour control, not any distortion. Remember the 550 is now 'old technology' and the Legacy is 'new technology.' FWIW I sold my 550 to a recording studio who will never move it very far.
I liked the tone of the 550 when I had it and only it. I now have only the Legacy and like the tone it gives. Hard to judge with only one at a time. Either one will rock. You need to
be looking at either the Legacy 800 or 1200.
be looking at either the Legacy 800 or 1200.
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While reading other posts about the Legacy amps I realized something I'd totally overlooked. With ALL my previous rigs, GK and otherwise, my Warwick only sounded like a Warwick when in the Active mode. Since getting the Legacy 500 I have only used the passive and am loving how it sounds. Same bass. Same DR rounds. Just different amp. Played one song at rehearsal in active and went back to passive on the next song. Haven't gone back. I never got this much punch with passive before. What's going on GK? I'm loving it. And no batteries will save me millions of dollars in the future. Well - maybe a few hundred dollars. Anyway there ya go.
- Mar 24, 2003
- 809
- 2,523
- Disclosures
- Robert A. Gallien, President Gallien-Krueger
I mostly use passive basses while developing my amplifiers. To sound alive passive pickups require special considerations like a high input impedance (1 meg) and many other considerations which make the design more difficult. Active basses are much more friendly to the designer however you are stuck with the electronics they use and that determines the noise and dynamic performance you will get.
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RAG I don't have any idea what you just said, but it works for me!! Thank you from a happy dude.
Play a passive PJ with SD 1/4 lbers with a pick or hard fingers and see what your amp does.
I've noticed the difference compared to some of the competition. The Legacy line sounds like a winner if it has lower background hiss than the MB500/800.
The internal build looks pretty clean as well. Nice work!
I don't plan to change using my Warwick but if I were to add a second bass it would be a P-bass 4-string. Would using either flats or rounds with that bass make much difference? All my previous P-basses used flats.
My roadworn jazz with chrome's sounds really good thru the L800 as does my MIJ 62 reissue Pbass!
The legacy's are dead quiet
